NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN: THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL IMPACT OF CAREGIVING ON THE CAREGIVERS IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Caregivers of children with chronic neurological disorders experience significant multidimensional strain associated with caregiving. A better understanding of the specific dimensions of impact of caregiving will enhance, not only the treatment outcome for the child but also the well-being and quality of life of the caregiver.

Aims: This study aimed to assess some specific dimensions of impact of caregiving; financial, socio-familial, personal strain and mastery; on the caregivers and determine their association with the socio-demographic and clinical variables of the caregivers and patients.

Methods: A cross- sectional analytical study, conducted among caregivers of children with neurological disorders and their affected children at the consultant outpatient clinic, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. The Impact-on–Family Scale and a socio-demographic data sheet were used for data collection; statistical analysis was done using version 22 of SPSS at < 0.05 level of statistical significance

Results: High overall impact of caregiving was experienced by 51.5% of the respondents; high financial impact, 35.3%; high social/familial impact, 41.9%; high personal strain, 38.2%   and high mastery, 36.0%. Bivariate (Chi² and Pearson correlation) analyses showed that high impact of caregiving on the following dimensions had statistically significant association with the corresponding variables: Overall Impact/being married, X²=6.501, P= 0.039; Financial impact/diagnosis of seizure and Position of the affected child in the family, X²=6.464, P=0.039 and r=0.171, P=0.047 respectively; Social/familial impact/duration of illness, r=0.206, P=0.038; Personal strain/duration of illness, r=0.277, P=0.005; and Mastery/level of education, X²=6.464, P=0.039. A diagnosis of seizure disorder independently predicted high “financial” impact of caregiving (P= .018, 95% CI= .093-.799).

Conclusions: Caring for children with neurological disorders impact significantly on multiple dimensions of the caregivers’ lives and families. The need to reduce the burden of neurological disorders in children through preventive measures, prompt treatment and caregivers support is critical.